The Social Policy & Parliamentary Unit

The Social Policy & Parliamentary Unit works towards the eradication of poverty by encouraging policies and practices that strengthen the social framework of New Zealand.

We provide solid social research and robust policy analysis, engaging with national opinion makers in politics, government, business, media and education.

Housing

> Housing Update (PDF, 131KB) 2008 - estimating a housing shortfall
> Rebuilding the Kiwi Dream (PDF, 2.8MB) Aug 2007 - housing proposal
> A Home I Could Own (PDF, 867KB) Sep 2005 - low-income housing aspirations
> From Housing to Homes (PDF, 841KB) Feb 2005 - homeownership strategies
> Forgotten People (PDF, 1.7MB) Aug 2006 - men on their own

Crime & Punishment

> Pacific Trafficking in Persons Forum Report (PDF, 1.12MB) Nov 2009 - overview
> Beyond the Holding Tank (PDF, 1.2MB) Feb 2006 - rehabilitative prison policy

Incomes & Poverty

> A New Journey - Te Haerenga Hou (PDF,257KB) 2008 - parliamentary elections
> A New Zealand that Demands Attention (PDF, 450KB) Aug 2004 - social issues

Social Hazards

> Under the Influence (PDF, 2.42MB) April 2010 - reshaping NZ's drinking culture
> A Contest of Spirits (PDF, 1.6MB) April 2010 - how we see alcohol
> Excising Excess (PDF, 1.59MB) Nov 2009 - alcohol tax options
> Alcohol in our Lives (PDF, 280KB) Nov 2009 - submission to the Law Commission

State of Nation Reports

> A Road to Recovery (PDF,170MB) Feb 2010 - tracks social progress
> Into Troubled Waters (PDF, 1.04MB) 2009 - full version
> Into Troubled Waters (PDF, 378KB) 2009 - text and figures only
> "What Does it Profit Us?" (PDF, 481KB) Feb 2008 - a State of the Nation report

Think-Pieces

> Apolitical Politicking (PDF, 72KB) May 2010 - The Salvation Army's apolitical stance
> Angelic Exchanges (PDF, 386 KB) May 2010 - Speaking of God in the public sphere
> Distant and Disposable (PDF, 296KB) March 2010 - revalue our shared humanity 
> Na To Rourou, Na Taku Rourou (PDF, 828KB) The Economics of a Shared Future
> The Rainbow of Entitlement (PDF, 208KB) July 2009 - exploring consumerism
> Hearing Sa'aq (PDF, 92KB) May 2009 - the practice of hopeful, liberating speech
> Economics of Elephants (PDF, 184KB) March 2009 - mutual responsibility